Three Women Honored at the 2018 Installation and Awards Evening

LIVINGSTON, NJ, June 9, 2018 – Three local women were presented with awards for their leadership, service and contributions at the NCJW/Essex Annual Installation and Awards Evening, which took place Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, NJ.

Patti Nathan of West Orange, NJ, was the recipient of The Hannah G. Solomon Award, presented by NCJW/Essex to an individual who has changed the lives of others through leadership efforts and service on a community level. With her trademark spirit and boundless energy, Nathan conveys a passion and a commitment to community activism. Blending advocacy and volunteer activities in her life, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of others by being involved in NCJW/Essex and her local community. She is an active volunteer at the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges as well as at her synagogue, B’nai Jeshurun. She has been a reading mentor, worked with at-risk teens and was involved in the SOMA Adult School Board. A member of NCJW since 1955, Nathan helped spearhead the Kids Emergency Closet and has participated in the Back 2 School Store, Nominations, the Period Project, and Impact Finance committees.

Penny Sherry of West Orange, NJ, was the recipient of the NCJW/Essex Service to Section Award, recognized as a member of NCJW/Essex whose generosity and resolute work as a volunteer has changed the lives of women, children and families. A member of NCJW/Essex for over four decades, Sherry was drawn to NCJW/Essex as a place with a mission that she believed in and women she could relate to. She kicked off several successful fundraisers including the Hannah’s Sisters tapestry, the Golf Outing, and the Card and Mah Jongg Party. She has held numerous leadership roles including chairperson of the Gala, the Golf Outing, the Card Party, and Lunch and Learn committees, as well as working with the annual Back 2 School Store.

Susie Botwinick of West Caldwell, NJ, was the recipient of the Henrietta Weiser Emerging Leader Award, presented by NCJW/Essex to a promising member who has demonstrated leadership potential. With an energetic style and can-do attitude, Botwinick has immersed herself in numerous leadership roles within NCJW/Essex including chairperson of volunteers for the Back 2 School Store, a speaker event with “The Moms,” three Opening Events and the Eskow Awards committee. In 2017 she became Vice President of Communications, a position she will continue in the year to come.